India is on the verge of finalizing significant defense export agreements to supply its formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam and Indonesia. The collective value of these impending deals is estimated to exceed Rs 4,000 crore (approximately $450 million), marking a substantial stride in India's defense diplomacy and its 'Make in India' initiative for the global market.
Russian Assurance Paves the Way
The crucial green light for these exports came during high-level talks between the defense ministers of India and Russia. On December 4, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov held a delegation-level meeting where Moscow provided the necessary assurance. Russia, the joint developer of the BrahMos missile system, confirmed it has no objection to the sale of these precision-strike weapons to the two Southeast Asian nations. Defence sources indicate that a formal no-objection certificate from Moscow is now awaited, which is the final procedural step before the contracts can be signed.
This development is particularly significant as it underscores the strength of the Indo-Russian strategic partnership in the defense sector, even as India diversifies its military suppliers. The BrahMos missile, capable of flying at nearly three times the speed of sound (Mach 2.8), is a product of the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace.
Expanding Footprint in the Indo-Pacific
Once finalized, Vietnam and Indonesia will join the Philippines as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to procure the advanced air-breathing missiles. India had previously secured a landmark $375 million contract in January 2022 to supply three anti-ship BrahMos coastal defense batteries to the Philippines. Sources suggest that Manila is also likely to place additional orders for more BrahMos systems in the future, indicating a growing and sustained demand.
The strategic context of these sales is clear. Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines all have major concerns regarding China's assertive actions and expansionist policies in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Tensions, especially between Philippine and Chinese vessels, have escalated markedly over the past two years. By equipping these nations with a powerful deterrent like BrahMos, India is not only advancing its defense exports but also contributing to a strategic balance in a volatile region.
Proven Capability and Future Upgrades
The Indian armed forces themselves are the primary customers for BrahMos, having placed orders worth around Rs 60,000 crore. The missile has proven its combat worthiness. In a notable demonstration of its capability, India successfully deployed BrahMos missiles from its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets for targeted strikes deep inside Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May. The missile's strike range has also been enhanced from the original 290 km to an impressive 450 km.
Looking ahead, India plans to begin inducting an even more potent version—the new 800-km range BrahMos missile—from 2028 onwards. Tests for these extended-range missiles, featuring a modified ramjet engine and other upgrades, are currently underway.
A Broader Defense Export Push
BrahMos is just the spearhead of India's ambitious defense export strategy. The country is actively marketing other indigenous systems like the Akash air defense missile systems and Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems to the same set of friendly nations, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, as well as others like the UAE and Brazil. The Akash system can intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles at a range of 25 km.
This export push is yielding results. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, India exported defense equipment worth nearly Rs 24,000 crore to about 80 countries. Armenia has emerged as a major client for finished Indian weapon systems like Akash, Pinaka, and 155mm artillery guns. While India remains among the world's top three arms importers, its growing export portfolio signifies a determined shift towards self-reliance and becoming a meaningful defense partner on the world stage.
